ETHICS FIRST

CODE OF ETHICS

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CODE OF ETHICS

THE CODE OF ETHICS:

GUIDING ALL WE DO FOR SAIT

SAIT POLYTECHNIC

OUR CULTURAL VALUES

OUR PRINCIPLES

FAIRNESS

INTEGRITY

RESPECT

SAFETY

TRANSPARENCY

RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

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SAIT POLYTECHNIC

Established in 1916 in Calgary, Alberta, SAIT Polytechnic is Canada’s first publicly funded technical institute. SAIT is world-renowned for its training expertise and is a leading provider of skilled workers for the energy sector and other industries.

SAIT’s organizational philosophy is defined by our vision, mission, core competency, cultural values, and principles. These critical elements describe who we are, what we want to achieve, and what will guide our decision making and management in all interactions.

Our Vision

To be recognized as Canada’s premier polytechnic, one of the world’s finest, setting the standard in education, training and innovation.

Our Mission

SAIT shall be an innovative organization equipping people to compete successfully in the changing world of work by providing relevant, skill-oriented education.

Our Core Competency

Transforming lives by integrating learning with technology.

Our Cultural Values

We value People, Learning, an Entrepreneurial Spirit, Technology and Innovation.

Our Principles

Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Transparency.

I’M PROUD TO BE PART OF A STRONG CULTURE BASED ON ETHICS The SAIT Polytechnic Code of Ethics is a touchstone for anyone interacting with us. It says: “Here is who we are. Here is what SAIT stands for.” Every day, in every interaction, we build and reinforce our good reputation by living our cultural values and principles.

Thank you for making SAIT a great place to work and learn.

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OUR CULTURAL VALUES

People

• We value our students and are wholly focused on their success.• We value the people who work with us and for us. Their knowledge, expertise, dedication, and commitment are fundamental to delivering on our promises and commitments.• We value our friends and partners in industry and government. Their guidance and support ensure we can be the best we dream to be.• We value our alumni, who help us understand the benefits of lifelong and mutually supportive relationships.

Learning

• We value academic excellence, quality improvement and the application of innovative learning approaches.• Our students benefit from the delivery of consistently high standards in collaborative integrated learning.• Our employees benefit from ongoing organizational and personal learning opportunities.• We embrace opportunities that support lifelong learning for students and employees.• We strive to continuously improve learning models and delivery systems for the benefit of our students.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• We encourage agility, collaboration and perseverance in our delivery of quality education and training.• We have a ‘can-do’ attitude with a focus on the future.• We adhere to quality business practices that align with our industry partners.

Technology and Innovation

• We value innovative approaches in all that we do.• We value technology as an enabling tool to create and deliver innovative courses and programs.• We use technology to enable our employees to work more effectively and deliver high quality results.• We collaborate with students and business partners to enhance technology adoption and commercialization.

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OUR PRINCIPLES

Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Transparency (FIRST)

SAIT Polytechnic is committed to being FIRST in all it does. We at SAIT will follow this set of principles and standards so we know what we can expect of ourselves and of each other. As well, all of SAIT’s stakeholders, who include fellow employees, students, Board of Governors, visitors, partners, affiliates, government, our local, national, and global community, will know to expect leading ethical standards in all interaction with SAIT.

These principles apply to members of SAIT’s Board of Governors, senior management, employees, contractors, consultants, agents, and volunteers collectively referred to as “Employees and Others.” Commitment to our principles will produce a positive work place that reflects our values and take us into the future with continued success.

Where to Get Help

SAIT principles and values should guide your judgement and behaviour. However, a situation may arise where the best decision is not obvious. If you find yourself in an unclear situation, you should ask yourself:

• Is this legal?• Is this fair and ethical?• Does this follow SAIT’s vision, mission, core competency, cultural values and principles?• Would I feel comfortable if others knew I did this?

If you are still in doubt, and need to seek guidance, or would like to report an unethical issue:

• Speak to your immediate supervisor• Contact the Director of Employee Services• Contact the Harassment/Discrimination Hotline at 403.210.4406

SAIT has an Ethics Hotline as a way for individuals to report ethical issues anonymously and/or confidentially. The SAIT Ethics Hotline is operated by ConfidenceLine, an external service provider. Reports can be made via telephone or internet.

• Call the SAIT Ethics Hotline at 1.800.661.9675 or• Go to www.sait-eweb.com

Q&A

Q: When I make an anonymous complaint or disclosure of unethical behavior, how will I know if it was dealt with?

A: All calls are given a reference number so callers are able to get an update on the status of their call without having to reveal their names.

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FAIRNESS We treat all people fairly and equitably, provide equal employment opportunities and engage in fair competition.

Fair and Equitable Treatment

We treat all people fairly by conducting ourselves with honesty and impartiality, free from self interest, prejudice, bias or favouritism. We encourage an inclusive culture and a learning environment that reflects global diversity. As such, SAIT is committed to providing a workplace free of harassment, violence and discrimination. All people shall be treated equally in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act (Alberta) and other applicable human rights legislation. Offences, including violence, harassment and discrimination, will be addressed with the appropriate corrective action.

Equal Employment Opportunities

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to impartial and unbiased hiring practices. The best qualified person will be hired, without discrimination. Where possible, we will accommodate differences when special measures are required. Opportunities for advancement provide employees the chance to develop and progress within our organization. Every effort to avoid favouritism will be taken.

Fair Competition

We conduct and pursue business opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, adhering to proper business practices and legal requirements at all times and reporting improper practice when detected. All transactions are made honestly and objectively including but not limited to: requests for proposals, auditing, performance reviews, and business and employment competitions. Business is awarded solely on merit, so that we can be assured the quality and cost of products and services is passed on to our customers.

Q&A

Q: One of my co-workers always gets funding to go to seminars and I have never had an opportunity to go. I feel this is unfair, what can I do?

A: SAIT is committed to fair and impartial treatment. You should make it known to your immediate supervisor first. If you feel the situation is not adequately addressed, take it to the next level, your Dean or Director. Finally, Employee Services,can be consulted for further options and advice.

Q: We are looking for a con-tractor to provide cleaning ser-vices. May I hire my relative for the contract to save time instead of collecting estimates from different companies?

A: No, in order to ensure the best cost to SAIT, you should collect proposals from different companies. Furthermore, if your relative wishes to submit a proposal you should disclose to your supervisor that you might be facing a conflict of interest and remove yourself from the selection process.

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INTEGRITY

We carry out SAIT business with honesty, integrity and due diligence. We honour commitments, are accountable for our actions, and follow through on promises and agreements.

Honesty and Integrity

Our honesty and integrity are demonstrated when we abide by standards of good faith and trustworthiness, and adhere to the highest ethical stan-dards. A high standard of professional and personal integrity must be present in all interactions.

We strive to avoid any instances where judgement or impartiality may be compromised, such as accepting gifts, personal loans, entertainment, hospitality or other considerations outside the scope of accepted business courtesies.

Due Diligence

We exercise a high degree of attention and care to required or expected documentation. We define due diligence as our responsibility to identify and investigate business and legal issues, and consider all risks prior to embarking on a course of action or conduct. We define due care as our responsibility to respond appropriately to findings arising from our practice of due diligence.

Commitment

We keep all individual and collective agreement obligations. In other words, we do what we say we will do and carry out all of our commitments and promises.

Accountability

We are accountable and able to answer for our conduct, obligations and choices. Each individual has a personal obligation to guide and judge his or her personal behaviour in accordance with SAIT’s values and principles. SAIT holds its employees and others personally accountable for their be-haviour, celebrating their successes and working with them to address and correct actions that are not consistent with our ethical standards.

Q: A supplier who is bidding on a contract is offering me tickets to the Grey Cup. What should I do?

A: Accepting the Grey Cup tickets could potentially impact your impartiality in the selection process. It is essen-tial that you remain unbiased and therefore you must decline the offer.

Q: I am thinking of seeking political office. What obliga-tions or restrictions should I be aware of as a SAIT employee?

A: SAIT recognizes your right to seek political office and to serve on civic or government boards. However, SAIT is politically neutral and does not align itself with any political party. You must ensure that your personal political views are not misrepresented as SAIT’s views. Additionally, you must not identify yourself as a SAIT employee in campaign literature.

Q&A

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RESPECT

We respect the dignity and human rights of people. We provide a safe envi-ronment where people can speak freely. We enhance human development in the workplace, the marketplace and the community.

Dignity and Human Rights

We value the pride and esteem of all people and recognize the freedom, right to justice and equality of all individuals. As members of the SAIT ed-ucational community, we are responsible for the respect of all people, and for contributing to the highest possible quality learning environment.

Freedom of Expression

We respect the right to speak or act without unreasonable or unlawful re-striction or interference. The expression of constructive opinions is encour-aged; no member of our community will suffer adverse consequences for offering reasonable and constructive opinions in good faith.

As a post-secondary learning institution, we respect academic freedom. However, this freedom should not diminish the dignity or human rights of any person.

Human Development

We respect the growth and advancement of people, recognizing that per-sonal professional development is critical to our success. We employ an ob-jective Performance Planning and Review system which assists employees in improving their job performance by establishing performance objectives.

As an organization that values people, innovation and lifelong learning, we encourage employees to pursue developmental activities. Programs and funding are available to employees who wish to develop their knowledge while contributing to the success of their department and of SAIT.

Q: My supervisor often yells at me in front of my co-workers which makes me feel embar-rassed and upset. What can I do?

A: Any form of disrespect to anyone in the SAIT commu-nity is unacceptable. SAIT is committed to providing a safe forum for staff to voice their concerns. In this case, since you probably don’t feel com-fortable going to your immedi-ate supervisor, contact your Dean or Director. You may also consult with Employee Ser-vices or call the SAIT Ethics Hotline at 1.800.661.9675.

Q: I am conducting a research study which involves students. Are there any ethical concerns I should be aware of?

A: Respect for the dignity and well-being of human research participants is the cardinal principle of modern research. All research proposals involv-ing human participants must be submitted for ethics review to the SAIT Research Ethics Board (REB). The REB reviews and approves proposals, and investigates any reports of un-foreseen risks occurring during the research that jeopardizes the participants.

Q&A

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SAFETY We foster positive health practices and ensure safe, secure and environ-mentally sound working and learning environments.

Health, Safety and Security

We encourage positive health practices and strive to protect all employees, students and visitors from health, safety and security risks. Our Health, Safety and Environmental Policy and Health, Safety and Environmental System meets or exceeds the requirements of applicable health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations.

All employees and others are responsible for the influence and care he or she may have over the physical, social and mental well-being of other members of the SAIT community. Confidential and professional assistance is available to employees and family members who experience personal problems that impact their daily lives and job performances through the SAIT Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Environment

We promote protection of the natural environment by meeting or exceed-ing current environmental law. Environmentally sound practices should be used to reduce energy and resource consumption, waste production and the impact on the environment. We continually strive for excellence in con-servation and efficiency in a socially responsible and lawful manner.

SAIT employees and others are expected to use the physical property and information resources provided by SAIT for the purposes for which they are intended in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Use of materials is subject to copyright and intellectual property laws, and SAIT’s Intellectual Property Policy.

Q: I nearly slipped on an icy sidewalk outside my building. What can I do to report this?

A: Dealing with icy sidewalks is a shared responsibility. The SAIT Facilities Management Department clears the equivalent of 27 km of sidewalks starting with high traffic areas early in the morning. Keeping this in mind, ensure that you are extra careful, take your time, have the proper footwear, and are not distracted or carrying too much. If, however, you feel there is a danger to yourself or others, call the SAIT Helpline immediately to report it.

Q: There are some strong indications that my co-worker may have a substance abuse problem. Should I do something about this?

A: Yes, it is your responsibility to report this. Doing nothing only enables the problem and puts your co-worker, yourself and others at risk of possible harm. It would be best to talk to your co-worker, and encourage him or her to seek assistance. But if you’re not comfortable doing so, or if there are physical safety issues involved, speak with a supervisor and explain your concerns.

Q&A

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TRANSPARENCY We conduct our work and communicate in a truthful and open manner; we disclose information in a timely way, respecting confidentiality and privacy. We engage in transparent accounting and financial reporting.

Truthful and Open

We value honest, frank and sincere communications. We expect all work to clearly and accurately represent the facts, and reflect the true nature of the activity. Dishonest reporting or questionable transactions will not be toler-ated.

Timely Disclosure

We share information at the right or appropriate time, voluntarily and in compliance with all applicable legal requirements and SAIT policies and procedures. Our policies dictate that all potential conflict of interest situ-ations in which your personal interests may interfere with the interests of SAIT must be disclosed to the employer.

Confidentiality and Privacy

We respect the privacy of personal information and are committed to com-pliance with applicable federal and provincial privacy legislation. We main-tain the confidentiality of competitive and proprietary information received in the course of business and do not use that information for personal gain.

Accounting and Reporting

We engage in generally accepted accounting principles as applied in Cana-da, accurately report financial information, and operate in compliance with the relevant legal requirements. We are legally responsible and accountable for the information we present to SAIT stakeholders, and ensure that due care is exercised when recording transactions. Accounting and other non-fi-nancial transactions will be audited periodically to ensure the adequacy and effectiveness of SAIT’s systems.

Q: I do not work in the finance department, so I don’t have to concern myself with transactions, do I?

A: Transactions are not only financial, but may also include evaluations, audits, exchang-es, interactions, programs, policies, procedures, or com-munications.

Q: I became suspicious the other day when I made a purchase at SAIT and the sale didn’t appear to be rung into the cash register. To whom do I report this?

A: This is a good example of a questionable transaction that you should report. You can speak to Employee Services regarding your concern to find out the appropriate depart-ment to contact. If you wish to remain anonymous please use the SAIT Ethics Hotline or web-site to report your suspicion.

Q&A

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RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Fairness

FN.7.1.1 Price Solicitation ProceduresFN.8.1.1 Professional Services ProceduresFN.12.1.1 Signing Authority – Revenue Generating, Expenditure and Other Contracts/Agreements ProceduresHR.4.5 Discrimination – Education PolicyHR.4.6 Discrimination – Employee and Student Recourse PolicyHR.4.8.1 Nepotism ProceduresHR.5.1 Recruitment and Selection PolicyHR.5.1.3 Recruitment and Selection – Employment Equity ProceduresHS.1.2 Prevention of Violence Policy

Integrity

AC.4.2 Research Integrity PolicyER 3.1 Gift Acceptance Policy HR.2.3 Management Obligations PolicyHR.2.3.1 Board/Employee Relations – AUPE and SAFA ProceduresHR.3.2 Public Service Leave PolicyHR.3.2.1 Public Service Leave ProceduresHR 4.1.1 Outside Employment and Personal Business Ventures ProceduresHR.4.2.1 Ethical Behaviour ProceduresHR.4.4.1 Corrective Action Procedures

Respect

AC.4.4 Human Research PolicyAC.4.4.1 Research Requiring Ethics Review ProceduresHR.2.2.1 Institutional Professional Development ProceduresHR.2.2.2 Professional Development Fund – Academic Staff ProceduresHR.2.2.3 Professional Credential Enhancement ProceduresHR.4.2.1 Ethical Behaviour ProceduresHR.4.4 Performance Management PolicyHR.4.7 Freedom of Speech Policy

Safety

AC.2.11.1 Intellectual Property ProceduresAC.2.12 Copyright Clearance Policy FM.1.1 Use of SAIT Tools, Equipment and Workspace PolicyHR.1.1 Employee and Family Assistance Program PolicyHR.2.3 Management Obligations PolicyHR.4.2.1 Ethical Behaviour ProceduresHS.1.1 Occupational Health Safety and Environment Policy HS.1.1.1 Occupational Health Safety and Environment System Procedures

Transparency

AD 1.1 Compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) PolicyAD.1.5.1 Internal Audit ProceduresHR.4.2.1 Ethical Behaviour Procedures

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